Injury While Retesting Blowout Preventers
Effective Date: 6/15/1984
Gulf of Mexico OCS Region Safety Alert
Notice No. 127
June 15, 1984
OCS Operations Safety Alert
Injury While Retesting Blowout Preventers
A chicksan-type fitting, equipped with a 2-inch threaded union and nipple, was being used to retest the blowout preventers (BOPs) to 5,000 psi after repair of a bonnet seal. When the pressure reached 4,800 psi, the threads failed between the union and nipple. The 2-inch line parted and struck an employee who was about 2 feet away from the BOP. The employee suffered a broken left shin.
In order to prevent a recurrence of this type of accident, the operator has cautioned all personnel to keep away from chicksan lines during testing operations. They are also conducting a study of the feasibility of installing safety restraints on BOP test lines.
[signed] D.W. Solanas
Regional Supervisor
Rules and Production
Gulf of Mexico OCS Region